MILAN – Before facing the press earlier today, Sinisa Mihajlovic spoke exclusively to the Milan Channel.

Opening comments on the 2016 TIM Cup final: “The final with Juve isn’t for three months and we will think about it in due time. Based on the return leg, Inter deserved to go through to the final, but Juve came good in extra-time. Then, penalties are always a lottery. It would have been nice to face Inter for the atmosphere, but it will be great all the same to face Juve. In a one-off match, even if a difficult one, anyone can win and we will be going for the win as always.”

On the race for third place, the coach said the following: “The team in the best position for third place are Roma. They’re in good shape and they are the biggest rivals. Tomorrow we could make up ground by winning versus Sassuolo, but it will be hard. They are a good side and very well organised. They’re in good form and I know Milan have never won at the Mapei Stadium. Records are there to be broken and I have never lost there as a coach.”

Mihajlovic has faith in those coming into the side: “We have a few absences, but we have De Sciglio and we have Kucka to come in for Montolivo. In attack, we have a few problems. Balotelli and Menez aren’t match-fit and we will rotate them during the match. I hope they can be decisive. I always think positive. In defence we have the problem of too much choice, but I have confidence in all three of my centre backs. Each combination is excellent and I will rotate them from now on.”

Final thoughts from the coach: “For me, De Sciglio is a first team starter. I am not worried. We will be without Montolivo but we have Kucka and Bertolacci who leave me confident while Poli did well in the TIM Cup in midweek. We have always worked hard and well. We’re on the right track and the results do help you to work with increased confidence and with less pressure.”